Device for preventing loss of a foot covering

ABSTRACT

A device for preventing loss of a foot covering includes a first strap wrapped around a leg adjacent an ankle of a wearer of such foot covering and a hook and loop fastener for securing the first strap around the leg. A second strap extends generally downwardly from the first strap and has a loop formed in a first end thereof for receiving therethrough the first strap and for slidably attaching the second strap to the first strap. A second hook and loop fastener or a clip is attached to a second end of the second strap for releaseably connecting the second strap to such foot covering.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to and claims priority from U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 60/722,119 filed on Sep. 30, 2005.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to fastening devices and,more particularly, this invention relates to a device for preventingloss of a foot covering.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

One problem that is continuously experienced by parents of an infant ora toddler is in assuring that the foot covering such as a shoe or a sockstays on a foot of the child as it is common for such young child toremove such foot covering. The problem is particularly felt when thefoot covering is removed and lost in a public place requiring the parentto spent unnecessary effort to locate the foot covering or it is removedand lost during harsh weather conditions.

Efforts have been made to prevent loss of a foot covering worn by ayoung child. U.S. Pat. No. 6,393,619 issued on May 28, 2002 to Bardesdiscloses an anklet that includes a strap encircling an ankle of achild, a quick disconnect buckle that is affixed to, and selectivelymaintains, the strap around the ankle, and a leash that depends from thestrap and engages a foot covering worn by the child so as to preventloss of the foot covering if unintentionally removed. The strap includesan ankle-facing layer that is made of an elastomer with a modulus ofelasticity, and an ambient-facing layer that directly overlies theankle-facing layer and is made of a fabric that has a limited modulus ofelasticity so as to prevent the ankle-facing layer from passing themodulus of elasticity thereof and failing. The leash is an endless loopthat is sewn to the strap and that extends through the foot covering andthen extends back through itself, and in so doing, becomes self-fastenedto the foot covering.

One disadvantage of this prior art is in fixed attachment of the leashto the strap. Another disadvantage of this prior art is that the leash,which is formed by a continuous loop, is not suitable for securing thesock which is commonly worn by a child.

Therefore, there is a need for an improved device for preventing loss ofa foot covering.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one embodiment, the invention provides a device forpreventing loss of a foot covering. The device includes a first strapwhich is wrapped around a leg adjacent an ankle of a wearer of such footcovering. A first fastening means is provided for securing the firststrap around such leg of such wearer. A second strap extends generallydownwardly from the first strap. A loop is formed in a first end of thesecond strap for receiving therethrough the first strap and for slidablyattaching the second strap to the first strap. There is a secondfastening means which is engageable with an opposed second end of thesecond strap for releaseably connecting the second strap to such footcovering.

According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided akit for use in preventing loss of foot coverings. The kit includes incombination a first strap which is wrapped around a leg adjacent anankle of a wearer. A first fastening means is provided for securing thefirst strap around such leg of such wearer. The kit further includes apair of second straps each having a loop formed at a first end thereoffor receiving therethrough the first strap and for slidably attachingeach second strap to the first strap. A releasable hook and loopfastener is attached to an opposed second end of one of the pair ofsecond straps. A clip having a pair of grip jaws biased for contacttherebetween is attached to an opposed second end of an opposed one ofthe pair of second straps.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention toprovide a device for preventing loss of a foot covering worn by a child.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device forpreventing loss of a foot covering such as a shoe or a sock.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a device forpreventing loss of a foot covering worn by a child which is usable withwide variety of shoe types.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a device forpreventing loss of a foot covering worn by a child which is easilyadjustable.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a device forpreventing loss of a foot covering worn by a child which is inexpensiveto manufacture.

In addition to the several objects and advantages of the presentinvention which have been described with some degree of specificityabove, various other objects and advantages of the invention will becomemore readily apparent to those persons who are skilled in the relevantart, particularly, when such description is taken in conjunction withthe attached drawing Figures and with the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device for preventing loss of a footcovering, particularly illustrating a leg encircling strap which isconstructed according to the presently preferred embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the device of FIG. 1, particularly illustratingan arrangement for attaching such device to such foot coveringconstructed according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the device of FIG. 1, particularly illustratingan arrangement for attaching such device to such foot coveringconstructed according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a magnified view of the device of FIG. 3; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a leg encircling strap which isconstructed according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Prior to proceeding to the more detailed description of the presentinvention, it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity andunderstanding, identical components which have identical functions havebeen identified with identical reference numerals throughout the severalviews illustrated in the drawing figures.

Reference is now made, to FIGS. 1-5, wherein there is shown a device,generally designated 10, for preventing loss of a foot covering 2. Suchfoot covering 2 is generally of the shoe or sock type worn by an infantand/or toddler that are prone to removing and losing such foot covering2.

The device 10 includes a first strap 12 which is wrapped around a leg 4adjacent and above an ankle 6 of such child. In such position, the ankle6 will provide support for and prevent the downward sliding movement ofthe first strap 12.

A first fastening means, generally designated as 20, is provided forsecuring the first strap 12 around such leg 4. Now in further referenceto FIG. 1, and according to the presently preferred embodiment of theinvention, the first strap 12 is formed as a flat elongated member 14having each of a predetermined length and essentially identicalthickness and the first fastening means 20 includes a releasable hookand loop fastener 22 which is attached to the first strap 12. As it iswell known in the art, the releasable hook and loop fastener 20 includesa hook portion 24 which is attached to one end of the first strap 12 anda mating loop portion 26 which is attached to an opposed end of thefirst strap 12. In order to fasten the first strap 12 in a circularfashion, the hook portion 24 and the loop portion 26 are attached toopposed surfaces of the first strap 12.

Now in reference to FIG. 5, there is illustrated an alternativeembodiment of the first strap 12 which is formed as a continuous flatloop 16 and the first fastening means 20 is provided by a material ofthe first strap 12 having a predetermined modulus of elasticity enablingthe first strap 12 to be stretched between a first shape wherein thefirst strap 12 is positioned onto and removed from such leg 4 and asecond shape wherein the first strap is secured onto such leg 4 of suchchild.

To provide desired stretchability and recovery of the continuous loop16, the presently preferred material of the continuous loop 16 is of anylon spandex fiber type and an example of such spandex fiber is thatavailable from DuPont Company and distributed under the trademarkLycra.RTM. It is further preferred, for sake of comfort and convenience,to combine Lycra.RTM with fabric, such as cotton, for absorbing theperspiration and allowing the skin to breathe naturally. Cotton fabriccontaining spandex may be washed with soap and water and drip dried ortumble dried which is advantageous for use with small children.

Other flexible materials suitable for use with the present inventioninclude rubber, including sponge rubber, foam rubber, neoprene, andfabric-covered rubber, or fabric-covered neoprene, and the like. Naturaland synthetic fabrics such as wool, cotton, linen, synthetic rubber,synthetic leather, nylon, rayon, and the like may also be suitable inthe present invention.

It would be understood that cotton/Lycra.RTM combination is alsoadvantageous for inexpensively manufacturing the first strap 12.

The device 10 further includes a second strap 30 which extends generallydownwardly from the first strap 12. The second strap 30 is formed as aflat elongated member having essentially identical thickness throughout.

A loop means 40 is formed at a first end 32 of the second strap 30 forreceiving therethrough the first strap 12 and for slidably attachingsuch second strap 30 to the first strap 12. Preferably, the loop means40 is formed by positioning the edge of the first end 32 toward theopposed second end 34 and sewing it to the second strap 30. Preferably,the second strap 30 is manufactured from the same cotton/Lycra.RTMcombination as the first strap 12.

A second fastening means, generally designated as 50, which isengageable with the opposed second end 34 of the second strap 30 isprovided for releaseably connecting the second strap 30 to such footcovering 2. According to one embodiment of the invention, the secondfastening means 50 includes a releasable hook and loop fastener 52 whichis attached to the second strap 30 for forming a second loop 42 means atthe second end 34 and which is constructed essentially similar to thereleasable hook and loop fastener 22 described supra. Such second loop42 is advantageous for attaching the second strap 30 to the shoe 2 a ofa slipper, sandal or flip-flop type which is characterized by apartially formed side wall and by a gap formed at least between aportion of such side wall and a base of such shoe 2 a. Accordingly, thesecond end 34 is passed through the gap and the second loop 42 is formedto encase the portion of the side wall and to secure the foot covering 2to the first strap 12.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the second fasteningmeans 50 includes a clip 54 having a pair of gripping jaws 56 biased forcontact therebetween by a spring means 57 and further includes means 58for releaseably attaching the clip 54 to a predetermined portion of thesecond strap 30. Such attachment means 58 is preferably a well knownsnap button fastener 58. The clip 54 is advantageous for use with thesock (not shown) or the shoe 2 b having a continuous side wall as bestshown in FIGS. 3-4. Examples of such shoe 2 b include athletic shoe,boot and the like.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the second strap30 includes a combination of the releasable hook and loop fastener 52and at least the attachment means 58 for attaching the clip 54 toprovide the parent with the flexibility of using such device 10 witheither type of the foot covering 2. As best shown in FIG. 1, suchattachment means 58 may be attached to the second strap 30 adjacent thesecond end 34 and in a position which enables ease of attaching the clip54 when the second loop means 42 is formed shorten the free length ofthe second strap 30.

The device 10 may further include an ornamental member 66 which isattached, preferably by way of an adhesive, to the clip 54 opposite thesurface of the second strap 30 for shielding such clip 54 from directview.

Since the child wears a pair of foot coverings 2, the invention furthercontemplates a kit, generally designated as 60 for use in preventingloss of a pair of foot coverings 2 and best shown in FIG. 1. Such kit 60includes in combination a first strap 12 and a pair of second straps 30each having a loop 40 formed at one end thereof for receivingtherethrough the first strap 12 and for slidably attaching such end tothe first strap 12. A releasable hook and loop fastener 52 is attachedto an opposed second end of one of the pair of second straps 30 and aclip 54 is attached to an opposed second end of an opposed one of thepair of second straps 30. It would be appreciated that the kit 60 mayinclude a second first strap 12 and a second pair of second straps 30.

Although the present invention has been shown in terms of securing thefoot covering worn by a child, it will be apparent to those skilled inthe art, that the present invention may be applied to foot covering wornby older children and adults.

Thus, the present invention has been described in such full, clear,concise and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art towhich it pertains to make and use the same. It will be understood thatvariations, modifications, equivalents and substitutions for componentsof the specifically described embodiments of the invention may be madeby those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scopeof the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

1. A device for preventing loss of a foot covering, said devicecomprising: (a) a first strap wrapped around a leg adjacent an ankle ofa wearer of such foot covering; (b) a first fastening means for securingsaid first strap around such leg of such wearer; (c) a second strapwhich extends generally downwardly from said first strap; (d) a loopmeans formed in a first end of said second strap for receivingtherethrough said first strap and for slidably attaching said secondstrap to said first strap; and (e) a second fastening means which isengageable with an opposed second end of said second strap forreleaseably connecting said second strap to such foot covering.
 2. Thedevice, according to claim 1, wherein said first strap is an elongatedmember having a predetermined length and wherein said first fasteningmeans includes a releasable hook and loop fastener attached to saidfirst strap.
 3. The device, according to claim 1, wherein said firststrap is manufactured form an elastic material.
 4. The device, accordingto claim 1, wherein said first strap is formed as a continuous loop. 5.The device, according to claim 4, wherein said first fastening meansincludes a material of said first strap having a predetermined modulusof elasticity enabling said first strap to be stretched between a firstshape wherein said first strap is positioned onto and removed from suchleg and a second shape wherein said first strap is secured onto such legof such wearer.
 6. The device, according to claim 1, wherein said loopmeans is formed by positioning an edge portion of said first end of saidsecond strap over said second strap toward said opposed second end andsewing said edge portion to said second strap.
 7. The device, accordingto claim 1, wherein said second fastening means includes a releasablehook and loop fastener which is attached to said second end of saidsecond strap for forming a second loop means at said second end.
 8. Thedevice, according to claim 7, wherein said second fastening meansfurther includes means attached to said second strap for releaseablyattaching a clip having a pair of gripping jaws.
 9. The device,according to claim 1, wherein said second fastening means includes aclip having a pair of gripping jaws which is manually operable forattaching said clip to such foot covering.
 10. The device, according toclaim 9, wherein said device further includes means for releaseablyattaching said clip to said second strap.
 11. The device, according toclaim 10, wherein said attachment means is a snap button fastener. 12.The device, according to claim 9, wherein said device further includesan ornamental member for shielding said clip from direct view.
 13. A kitfor use in preventing loss of foot coverings, said kit comprising incombination: (a) a first strap which is wrapped around a leg adjacent anankle of a wearer; (b) a first fastening means for securing said firststrap around such leg of such wearer; (c) a pair of second straps eachhaving a loop formed at a first end thereof for receiving therethroughsaid first strap and for slidably attaching said each second strap tosaid first strap; (d) a releasable hook and loop fastener which isattached to an opposed second end of one of said pair of second straps;and (e) a clip means having a pair of grip jaws biased for contacttherebetween which is attached to an opposed second end of an opposedone of said pair of second straps.